18 Top Music Photographers You Need to Know

Johnny Nuez be everywhere! The veteran photographer has endless amounts of pics of the biggest names in music.

Janette Beckman and her cameras were outside in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. The visionary captured game-changing artists from Boy George to Salt N Pepa. 

Just look at Shareif's most recent photos from Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour stop at MetLife Stadium.

Jamil GS is a legend. He's captured unforgetable images of Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Nas, OutKast and so many other legends.

Marc Baptiste’s work is timeless. He shot the album artwork for classics such as The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu’s Baduizm and The Score by The Fugees.

Drake’s go-to shooter has shot everything from behind the scenes clips to music videos for the Boy.

The Roc is definitely in the building. Lenny Santiago aka Lenny S. aka Kodak Lens on IG has built a pretty impressive following with his BTS pics of some of the most fire moments in recent memory. Many people don’t know that photography is just his side hustle (His IG bio: Photography is a hobby to me). He first built a name for himself as an A&R for Roc-A-Fella Records, A&R-ing projects for Jay-Z. He’s also been an executive at Def Jam and currently is at Roc Nation.

Jonathan Mannion is easily one of the most notable music photographers of all time. His lens is especially appreciated in hip-hop. This photo-G.O.A.T. has shot iconic album covers for Jay-Z, DMX and so many more. 

Hailing from the Bronx, Ravie B has shot Hov and B on tour, the Golden Globes and album covers for the likes of Roddy Riich. Oh, and she’s also shot Adele.

David Bergman's work is a marriage of photojournalism and music. He is best known for his gig with Bon Jovi, as their official tour photographer, which has allowed him to capture some extraordinary moments of the band. Bergman's secret lies in his ability to subtly blend into the background, catching candid shots that encapsulate the life of a musician, both on and off stage.

A master of both still photography and filmmaking, Danny Clinch has a knack for capturing intimate moments with his subjects. His extensive portfolio spans across several music genres, from hip-hop giants like Tupac Shakur to country legends like Johnny Cash. Clinch's black and white images are timeless, holding an ethereal quality that tells a story beyond the music. Did we mention he's the man behind Asbury Park's SeaHearNow festival?

For more than three decades, Deborah Feingold has been creating iconic portraits of musicians like Madonna, Prince, and Mick Jagger. Her minimalistic style shines through her work, where she uses simple backdrops and minimal props, focusing solely on the musician and their persona. Feingold's ability to capture her subject's character within a single shot is what sets her apart.

Dubbed "The Man Who Shot the Seventies", Mick Rock's work defined an era. From capturing groundbreaking images of David Bowie and Queen to shooting iconic album covers, Rock has a particular talent for conveying the spirit of the rock 'n' roll scene. His vivid, surreal, and dramatic style breathes life into his photos, immersing viewers into the heart of the music.

Famed for his raw, uncompromising shots of heavy metal bands, Ross Halfin has an uncanny ability to bring the intensity of a live performance into his photographs. His intimate and powerful images of Metallica, Iron Maiden, and other rock giants reveal the passion and energy of the genre. Halfin's work is a testament to the grit and spirit of rock and metal music.

Arguably the most renowned photographer on this list, Annie Leibovitz has created some of the most memorable images in modern culture. From her intimate portraits of John Lennon and Yoko Ono to her vibrant Rolling Stones tour photographs, Leibovitz combines her innovative ideas with a remarkable ability to create a rapport with her subjects. This ability ensures each photograph captures not just a face, but a story.

Pennie Smith might be best known for her iconic shot of The Clash's Paul Simonon smashing his bass guitar, which graced the cover of their 'London Calling' album. Smith's work, however, spans far beyond this one image. She excels at capturing the unscripted, rebellious moments of punk music. Smith's gritty, raw style reflects the spirit of the era and genre she so vividly represents.

Our number one spot belongs to Kevin Cummins, an illustrious figure in music photography whose career has spanned over four decades. With his intimate and evocative style, Cummins has captured the evolution of music, from punk and post-punk bands to Britpop and beyond. His photographs of bands like Joy Division, The Smiths, and Oasis are not just snapshots but narratives, each telling a story of a time, a place, and a sound. Cummins' deep understanding and appreciation of music make him the quintessential music photographer.